Toss Game

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of playing a new toss game. The apparatus is compact and portable. The apparatus comprises two identical stand-alone units and is intended for use by players of all ages and is designed to be played competitively requiring the players use their skills and abilities to toss a projectile into a receiving member. The present invention provides a number of benefits including a source of entertainment, recreation, social interaction, and improving eye-hand coordination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that may be used inconnection with a new toss game. The present invention further relatesto a method of playing a new toss game.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to be used inconnection with a new toss game. The apparatus is compact, portable andis comprised on two identical stand-alone units. The present inventionis intended for use by players of all ages and is designed to be playedcompetitively requiring the players use their skills and abilities totoss a projectile into a receiving member. The present inventionprovides a number of benefits including a source of recreation andsocial interaction.

The present invention generally relates to the game of “Beirut” or “BeerPong,” which involves placing drinking cups in a triangular formation ateach end of a table. Each of the cups is filled with a liquid, such asbeer or some other alcoholic beverage. After the cups are filled, twoteams standing at opposite ends of the table take turns tossing a pingpong at the cups located at the opposite end. When a ball goes into theopponent's cup, the cup is removed from the table and the liquid isconsumed. This process is repeated until all cups are removed.

Certain shortcomings have been associated with the present form of thegame “Beirut” or “Beer Pong.” For example, the game is difficult to playoutdoors due to a ping pong's susceptibility to being blown by the wind.Another problem with the current form of the game is that it is notdesigned to be readily transported. As described above, the gamerequires a number of separate, individual pieces. Further, the game isoften enjoyed in social settings such as tailgates, picnics, beachparties, etc. Thus, the game is normally played at a “destination”location. Transporting the game and its multiple separate parts over adistance is difficult. Another problem with the current form of the gameis the unsanitary conditions in which the game is played. Oftentimes,the ping pong misses its target and frequently lands on the ground whereit can become soiled with dirt, sand, or other impurities. The ping pongis then tossed again and if successful, lands into one of the cupsfilled with liquid which in turn contaminates the liquid. Additionally,oftentimes in practice cups are toppled over in the course of play whichfurther contaminates the playing surface.

The present invention addresses these shortcomings by providing acompact, portable apparatus comprised of two stand-alone units. Thestand-alone units can be easily assembled into a carrying container foreasy transport. The carrying container can be further utilized to carryall the necessary components of the new toss game. The new toss gamefurther comprises a projectile of sufficient size and density toeliminate the effects of the outdoor elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method of playing a newtoss game. The apparatus is compact and portable. The apparatuscomprises two identical stand-alone units. In the preferred embodiment,the two identical stand-alone units are substantially in the shape of abox, having a planar playing surface with a border extending from theplanar playing surface. The stand-alone units further contain fastenermeans and a carrying means such that the units can be secured togetherfor conversion into a storage unit and for ease of transport.

In the preferred embodiment, each stand-alone unit further comprises aplurality of upright receiving members, each with an opening therein toallow for the reception of a projectile. The present invention furtherincludes a lid that is designed to engage with the upright receivingmember to form a seal or closed container. Each lid may further containan indentation to allow for the reception of a liquid. The apparatusfurther includes a lightweight projectile that is not easily blown bythe wind. The apparatus includes all the necessary features to allow thegame to be pleasurable and hassle free.

In play, the game involves two teams. The two identical stand-aloneunits are positioned opposite each other several feet apart. Playersthen take turns tossing the projectile into their opponent's uprightreceiving members. When a player lands a projectile in their opponent'supright receiving member, a player on the opposing team is to remove theprojectile and place a lid on the upright receiving member. The gamecontinues in this manner with each team taking turns. The first team tohave a lid placed on all of its opponent's upright receiving members isdeclared the winner.

The present invention improves upon prior inventions by providing aprojectile that is resistant to outdoor weather conditions. Theinvention further eliminates the unwanted sliding or knocking over ofcups presently associated with prior inventions and eliminates the needfor assembling and arranging cups. Another object of the presentinvention is to provide an apparatus that can be easily assembled,transported, and stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the closed positionready for transportation or storage.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the closed positionready for transportation or storage.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus upon opening.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stand-alone unit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stand-alone unit in conjunction witha projectile and lid.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus arranged in a positionready for play.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thestand-alone unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thestand-alone unit.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thestand-alone unit.

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

-   10 Carry means-   15 Fastener means-   16 Latch-   17 Catch-   20 First identical stand-alone unit-   25 Planar playing surface-   26 Border-   30 Second identical stand-alone unit-   40 Upright receiving member-   50 Opening of upright receiving member-   60 Lid-   70 Projectile

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of the claimed invention isshown. The claimed invention comprises two identical stand-alone units20,30. As shown in FIG. 4, the stand-alone units 20,30 are comprised ofa planar playing surface 25 and a border 26 extending perpendicularlyfrom the planar playing surface 25. The planar playing surface 25 andborder 26 may be comprised of plastic, rubber, foam, treated wood, ormetals, or any other suitable material which is resistant to moistureand is of a sufficient strength and durability to allow for repeated useas described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in the preferred embodiment, the stand-aloneunits 20,30 are substantially in the shape of a box with the planarplaying surface 25 being substantially rectangular in shape. As shown,the border 26 is comprised of four walls 26 which extend perpendicularlyfrom the planar playing surface 25. However, it is envisioned that thetwo identical stand-alone units 20,30 and border 26 make take otherforms and shapes to facilitate use and play as described herein. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the two stand-alone units 20,30 can becircular, triangular or any other shape having a planar playing surface25 and a border 26 extending perpendicularly from the planar playingsurface 25.

As shown in FIG. 1, each stand-alone unit 20,30 further comprises aplurality of fastener means 15 to allow for securing the two stand-aloneunits 20,30 together. The fastener means 15 are positionedcircumferentially about the outside of the border 26 of each stand-aloneunit 20,30. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastener means comprises a latch 16and a catch 17 operable to receive a portion of the latch 16. In thepreferred embodiment, the stand-alone unit 20 includes the latch 16 ofeach of the fasteners means 15 and the stand-alone unit 30 includes thecatch 17 of each of the fastener means 15. In this manner, the twostand-alone units 20,30 are operable to be secured together in a storageconfiguration as shown in FIG. 1. It is envisioned that other suitablefastener means may be utilized without deviating from the scope of thepresent inventive concept, such as an eyelet and hook arrangement asshown in FIG. 2. Each stand-alone unit 20,30 further comprises at leastone carrying means 10 shown as a handle. In the preferred embodiment,each stand-alone unit 20,30 may be stacked upon one another such thatthe handles 10 may also cooperate with each other. In the preferredembodiment, the handles 10 are resilient and made of a nylon material.However, it is envisioned that the handles 10 may be made of any othersuitable resilient material, such as leather, plastic, polyester, ormetal, without deviating from the scope of the present inventiveconcept.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, extending from the planar playing surface 25 oneach stand-alone unit 20,30 is a plurality of upright receiving members40. The upright standing members 40 are securedly attached to the planarplaying surface 25 and are further equipped with an opening 50 therein.The upright standing members 40, and the opening 50 therein, are of asufficient size and shape to allow for the reception of a projectile 70.In the preferred embodiment, the upright receiving members 40 arearranged in a geometric pattern, such as the triangular configurationshown in FIGS. 3-6. However, it is envisioned that the upright receivingmembers 40 may be arranged in a different pattern or configurationwithout deviating from the scope of the present inventive concept asshown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of the claimed inventionfurther comprises a plurality of lids 60 which are designed to engagethe opening 50 of each upright receiving members 40. The projectile 70is a sufficient size and shape to cooperate with the opening 50 of eachupright receiving member 40 to allow for reception. In the preferredembodiment, the projectile 70 is comprised of a durable polyester rubberor plastic material filled with lightweight material such as sand,plastic beads, or other suitable lightweight materials. However, it isenvisioned a projectile 70 of a different configuration andconstruction, such as a die, a washer, a bean bag, etc., may be employedprovided it is of sufficient size and shape to cooperate with theopening 50 of the upright receiving members 40 and is water resistant,bounce resistant, and not susceptible to gusts of wind.

In play, as shown in FIG. 6, the claimed invention involves placing twoidentical stand-alone units 20,30 opposite each other, several feetapart. Two teams of players are them assembled and positioned behindeach stand-alone unit 20,30. Players on each team then take turnstossing the projectile 70 into the opposing team's upright receivingmembers 40. If successful, a member of the opposing team is to removethe projectile 70 from the upright receiving member 40, and then place alid 60 on the upright receiving member 40. The lid 60 cooperates withthe opening 50 on the upright receiving member 40 to form a seal. In thepreferred embodiment, the lid 60 includes an indentation of sufficientsize to allow for the reception of a liquid. However, it is envisionedthat a lid may be employed without such an indentation such that its usedoes not deviate from the scope of the present inventive concept.

The game continues with the players on each team taking turns tossingthe projectile 70. The first team to have each of the opposing team'supright receiving members 40 covered with a lid 60 is declared thewinner. The two stand-alone units 20,30 can then be arranged in theclosed position as shown in FIGS. 1-2, secured using the fasteners meansand then transported via the handles 10.

I claim:
 1. A game apparatus comprising: a. A projectile; b. A firststand-alone unit; c. A second stand-alone unit; whereby the firststand-alone unit and second stand-alone unit are adapted to stack uponone another to form a storage container; d. Said first stand-alone unitand said second stand-alone unit each having a planar playing surfaceand a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface;e. A plurality of upright receiving members extending from the planarplaying surface of said first stand-alone unit and the planar playingsurface of said second stand-alone unit, each upright receiving memberhaving an opening therein adapted to receive said projectile; f. Aplurality of lids adapted to cooperate with the opening of saidplurality of upright receiving members; g. A carrying means attached tothe border of said first stand-alone unit and the border of said secondstand-alone unit; and h. A plurality of fastener means attached to theborder of said first stand-alone unit and the border of said secondstand-alone unit.
 2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a. Saidcarrying means is a handle, and b. Said fastener means is a latch andcatch assembly.
 3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a. Saidcarrying means is a handle, and b. Said fastener means is an eyelet andhook assembly.
 4. The game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the projectileis comprised of a durable polyester material filled with lightweightmaterial.
 5. The game apparatus of claim 3, wherein the projectile iscomprised of a durable polyester material filled with lightweightmaterial.
 6. A game apparatus comprising: a. A projectile, wherein saidprojectile is comprised of a durable polyester filed with a lightweightmaterial; b. A first stand-alone unit having a planar playing surfaceand a border extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface;c. A second stand-alone unit having a planar playing surface and aborder extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface;whereby the first stand-alone unit and second stand-alone unit areadapted to stack upon one another to form a storage container; d. Aplurality of upright receiving members extending from the planar playingsurface of said first stand-alone unit and the planar playing surface ofsaid second stand-alone unit, each upright receiving member having anopening therein adapted to receive said projectile; e. A plurality oflids adapted to cooperate with said opening of said plurality of uprightreceiving members; f. A carrying means attached to said border of saidfirst stand-alone unit and said border of said second stand-alone unit;and g. A plurality of fastener means attached to said border of saidfirst stand-alone unit and said border of said second stand-alone unit.7. The game apparatus of claim 6, wherein said carrying means is ahandle.
 8. The game apparatus of claim 7, wherein said lids furtherinclude an indentation.
 9. The game apparatus of claim 8, wherein saidfastener means is a latch and catch assembly.
 10. The game apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said fastener means is an eyelet and hook assembly. 11.A method of playing a toss game comprising: a. Providing a projectile;b. Providing a first stand-alone unit having a planar playing surface, aborder extending perpendicularly from said planar playing surface, acarrying means attached to said border, a plurality of fastener meansattached around said border, and a plurality of upright receivingmembers extending from the planar playing surface with each uprightreceiving member having an opening therein adapted to receive saidprojectile; c. Providing a second stand-alone unit having a planarplaying surface, a border extending perpendicularly from said planarplaying surface, a carrying means attached to said border, a pluralityof fastener means attached to said border, and a plurality of uprightreceiving members extending from the planar playing surface with eachupright receiving member having an opening therein adapted to receivesaid projectile, whereby the first stand-alone unit and secondstand-alone unit are adapted to stack upon one another to form a storagecontainer; d. Providing a plurality of lids adapted to cooperate withsaid opening of said plurality of upright receiving members; e.Providing a first team of players and a second team of players; f.Arranging said first stand-alone unit and said second stand-alone unitopposite each other; g. Positioning said first team of players behindsaid first stand-alone unit and positioning said second team of playersbehind said second stand-alone unit; h. Allowing a player from each teamto take turns tossing said projectile into said plurality of uprightreceiving members; i. Placing a lid onto the upright receiving membereach time a player puts said projectile into an upright receivingmember; j. Continuing to allow players to take turns tossing saidprojectile until a lid is placed on each upright receiving member. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein said projectile is comprised of durablepolyester filled with a lightweight material and said lid has anindentation.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said fastener means isa latch and catch assembly.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein saidfastener means is eyelet and hook assembly.